Whenever I am asked to speak on the topic of executive presence, I start by reminding everyone that, in fact, there is no objective definition. Human beings are unique, and each person expresses themself in their own way, even in their professional life. Yet there are a few universal characteristics of high-level executives that are worth noting. Some of these include the ability to command a room, communicate clearly, and win stakeholder buy-in (including from their own teams) for their ideas and hard work. You have to do this in a way that makes maximum impact. But it’s not enough to be seen and heard in high-level rooms. Your presence must be felt by others in a powerful way that takes hold and won’t let go.
If you are tired of feeling stuck or stalled in your career, and you want to develop a powerful Executive presence, the good news is that a combination of actionable skills and mindset strategies can take you all the way. The bad news is that in order to get there, you have to let go of some old habits and behaviors that you probably think are key to your success, things that make you feel safe and in control. You have to break them all down before you can build them back up.
Am I getting through? Let me say it again: in order to achieve a powerful Executive presence, you have to break away from old habits and develop some brand-new ones. In a nutshell, stop pleasing people and start impressing them!
People-pleasing looks like this:
Neglecting to set clear expectations for your team, over-working to cover for their shoddy work, and refusing to confront them about it. Without clear guidance and repercussions, you can expect more of the same.
Rushing in to try and “take care” of your team’s feelings whenever you give them directives and make big decisions that affect them. Treating them like children won’t help them grow.
Doubting your own authority and subject matter expertise when senior leaders are in the room, and deferring to them for all decision making, even when you know much more than they do. Losing faith in yourself won’t win you any respect.
Impressing people looks like this:
Setting clear expectations for your team’s work before you offer them support, and maintaining high standards of excellence. That’s how you can stop holding them back and start growing a respected team that does great work.
Trusting that your team are adults who can handle rough transitions, and will grow stronger by working hard and overcoming obstacles together. That’s how you can become known as being a team-builder who provides a good balance of autonomy and guidance.
Grounding your own authority and subject matter expertise in high-level meetings, and asserting important information, even if it goes against what Senior leaders want. That’s how they will recognize your impressive skills, knowledge, expertise and wisdom.
It takes courage to break away from old habits that don’t serve you anymore, and step into new techniques and mindsets. Especially for women, as we are socially conditioned to perform "tend and befriend” behaviors that can block our leadership power, the process might be bumpy. You might even feel lost for a bit as you start pivoting to the new. But once you see and feel the impact of your authentic Executive presence, you’ll never go back.
These are just some of the skills I work on with clients in my private coaching packages and group trainings. CONTACT me for details, rates and availability.